Michael (2026), directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, is a musical biopic that portrays the life and legacy of Michael Jackson. The film focuses on his rise to fame, covering from his beginnings with the Jackson 5 to the 1980s, and is distinguished by its focus on performances and the recreation of his iconic live shows.
The story follows Michael Jackson from his childhood, played by Juliano Krue Valdi, to his youth, played by his nephew Jaafar Jackson. The narrative begins with the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the leader of the Jackson 5 in the 1960s, exploring his family dynamics and the first steps of his musical career before his explosion as a solo artist.
Jaafar Jackson, the artist's nephew, stars in the film in his cinematic debut, while Juliano Krue Valdi plays the child character. The cast includes recognized actors such as Colman Domingo, Nia Long, and Miles Teller.
The film focuses on Jackson's musical trajectory and artistic legacy, avoiding delving into certain controversial aspects of his personal life, which has been pointed out by some critics as an editorial decision that softens the narrative.
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Critics highlight Jaafar Jackson's performance and the technical quality of the musical scenes, describing them as dazzling and faithful to the energy of the original artist.
Several critics point out that the film lacks depth in the characterization of Jackson, describing the script as superficial, repetitive, or too conventional, which prevents a more complex exploration of his personality.
There is a division of opinions: while some critics consider the film an entertaining and faithful experience for Jackson's followers, others criticize it for its lack of artistic ambition and its focus on the superficial.
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A spoiler-free guide to approaching Michael with verifiable context, useful questions and one basic rule: a dramatization can open a historical conversation, but it cannot replace the sources that history requires.
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